No one should be forced to break the bank to secure a terrific house. However, a first-time homebuyer may be more likely than others to overspend on a residence, particularly if he or she fails to understand the ins and outs of the housing market.

Lucky for you, we're here to teach you what it takes to browse the real estate market effectively so you can find a house that matches your budget.

Now, let's take a look at three tips to help a first-time homebuyer purchase an affordable residence.

1. Examine the Housing Market Closely

Many great houses are available, and a first-time homebuyer should review a broad range of residences closely. By doing so, this homebuyer can establish a price range for his or her home search.

Evaluate the prices of residences that are currently available in your city or town. That way, you can find out what it costs to afford a home that may serve you well both now and in the future.

Also, assess the prices of recently sold residences in your area. With this housing market data in hand, you can find out whether you're about to enter a buyer's market or seller's market and plan accordingly.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval for a mortgage can help you map out a homebuying budget before you enter the real estate market. Thus, getting pre-approved for a mortgage can make a world of difference for any first-time homebuyer, at any time.

To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you'll want to meet with several banks and credit unions in your area. These lenders can teach you about different mortgage options and help you select one that corresponds with your budget.

In addition, be sure to ask plenty of questions about potential mortgage options before you make your final mortgage decision. This will allow you to understand the differences between fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages and choose a mortgage that can help you avoid the temptation to overspend on a residence.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

When it comes to pursuing a house for the first time, don't leave anything to chance. Instead, collaborate with a real estate agent, and you can streamline the process of purchasing an affordable residence.

A real estate agent helps take the guesswork out of looking for residences. He or she will keep you up to date about new houses as they become available and set up home showings on your behalf. Plus, this housing market professional will do whatever it takes to guarantee you can obtain an affordable house that surpasses your expectations.

Perhaps best of all, a real estate agent will help you alleviate stress throughout the homebuying journey. And if you encounter challenging negotiations with a home seller, a real estate agent will step in and help you get the best price for a residence – without exception.

Ready to purchase a house for the first time? Use these tips, and you can acquire an affordable residence that you can enjoy for years to come.

This Single-Family in West Springfield, MA recently sold for $270,000. This Gambrel style home was sold by Julianne Krutka - Park Square Realty.

94 Edgewood Road,
West Springfield, MA 01089

Single-Family

$284,900

Price

$270,000

Sale Price

7

Rooms

3

Beds

1/1

Full/Half Baths

Seller has made this home ready for YOU! Fresh paint in many rooms, brand new black stainless steel appliances just installed, hardwood floors are gorgeous! This three bedroom 1.5 bath home is just waiting for your personal touches! Tons of natural light flows in this extremely well cared for gambrel dutch in a tucked away neighborhood in West Springfield. Large flat lot is ready to be host to your summer back yard barbecues with built in deck seating and an awesome 3 season room to duck into in case it rains. Spacious two car attached garage to protect your cars in the winter offers ample storage for other things as well. All three bedrooms are located on the second floor as well as the full bath. You'll be pleasantly pleased with the size of the master! Can easily accommodate your King Size bed and a few large dressers! Half bath on first floor and bricked hearth in family room round out this lovely home. No showings prior to Open House Sunday 3/11 1:00-2:30.

Town Info

This Single-Family in Westfield, MA recently sold for $295,000. This Ranch style home was sold by Julianne Krutka - Park Square Realty.

625 Montgomery Rd,
Westfield, MA 01085

Single-Family

$299,999

Price

$295,000

Sale Price

5

Rooms

3

Beds

1/1

Full/Half Baths

This beautiful ranch on nearly 1.5 acres of land has been completely updated to offer contemporary style and comfort daily! Generous windows complement the fresh, neutral paint throughout, and central AC ensures climate control. A gorgeous fireplace in the living room provides welcoming ambiance whether you're entertaining loved ones or kicking back on the couch. Glass doors open to the backyard where an enormous deck offers a water view to enjoy under cover or in the sunshine. A stunning kitchen features new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and eat-in island that's sure to be the hub of the house. Gather for your favorite meal in the adjacent, well-lit dining area. Hardwood floors lead down the hall to three bedrooms, all offering comfortable accommodations. Enjoy bonus recreational space in the partially-finished basement, which also provides ample storage, as does the attached two-car garage.

Town Info

There are few things for a home seller that are more stressful than the home inspection. You hope and pray that everything will come out a-OK in your house so that your buyers will want to continue with the sale without asking for too many contingencies. There’s a few simple things that you can do to make sure your home inspection goes smoothly. The good news is that these tasks won’t cost you a lot of time or money. A few simple actions can save you a lot of grief in unnecessary service calls. Check out these tips to help you get through the home inspection with flying colors:

Check Your Light Bulbs

If you have a light bulb that’s simply burnt out, that could prompt the need for a check of the entire electrical system in your home. Avoid a costly visit from an electrician just by checking your light bulbs and replacing them where necessary.

Check Your Air Filters

The air filters in your home can be easily neglected and be a big problem in the home inspection process. Even if a filter looks a little gray, take the time to replace it. You should check your air filters and furnace filters for any potential problems like tears or excess dirt. For bonus points, you may want to just replace the filters before the inspection no matter how little dirt they have on them. Otherwise, a clogged filter can be a sign that your furnace or heating and cooling system isn’t working properly.

Check Your Sinks

A few dollars spent on some drain unclogging chemicals is a few hundred dollars potentially saved on a plumber. Fill up your sinks with water and see how they drain. If they’re a bit slow, get the chemicals that you need to work on unclogging the drains (such as Drain-o). If there’s a funny smell coming from the drain, be sure to address it. Lemons also work wonders on everything from drains to garbage disposals. Even some baking soda and vinegar can help to clean a drain wonderfully.

Fix Major Repairs Before Your Home Goes On The Market

If you know something pressing needs to be fixed or replaced in your home, be sure to fix it before the home even goes on the market. It’s much easier to take care of things before a buyer’s contingency and a time limit is involved. Although you may be hesitant to spend the money, you should replace certain appliances, fix the roof, or address that creaky floor before the “For Sale” sign even goes out front.

17 Kenneth Road,
Easthampton, MA 01027

Just Listed

Single-Family

$225,000

Price

7

Rooms

3

Beds

1

Baths

Don't miss your chance at the best buy in Easthampton! This lovely 3 bedroom ranch won't disappoint! Home has been well loved by the current owner and boasts a light and bright kitchen with ceramic tile floors and eat in dining area, sliders to the deck open to the super sized fenced in back yard, great for dogs or kids. Three comfortable sized bedrooms all with hardwood floors, some under carpet. Generous sized living room with hardwood flooring and a large picture window that lets in tons of light! Bath has been updated. Two finished rooms in basement, family room, kids play room, guest room, hobby room, you decide! The best part of all is the location in this awesome walkable/bike-able neighborhood with an easy commute to Northampton, Holyoke, or Westfield! Oh and did I mention...city water, city sewer and a newer natural gas heating system! Definitely a winner here! First showings will be at the Open House on Sunday 5/20 12-1:30.